Buttered Beans
Buttered beans are a hearty, savory side dish featuring tender beans cooked in a buttery broth, perfect for family meals or comfort food gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the beans and add them to a large pot of water.
- Cook the beans for 3 hours.
- Add spices and ham chunks to the beans.
- Serve with cornbread!
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding garlic or onion while cooking the beans. If you need a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and don't hesitate to throw in some herbs like thyme or bay leaves. If you're looking for a unique side, these beans pair beautifully with Crispy Potato Pancake, enhancing the meal's texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these buttered beans hot as a main dish or as a hearty side. They pair wonderfully with cornbread or over rice for a full meal experience. Consider adding a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. For a sweet finish, try serving alongside Oatmeal-Cheesecake-Cranberry Bars for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm the beans on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttered Beans contains roughly 11 calories, with 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned beans to save time. If using canned beans, reduce the cooking time significantly—just heat them through with the spices and butter. Drain and rinse the beans to reduce sodium content, and then follow the rest of the recipe as usual.
What types of beans work best for this recipe?
While you can use various beans, navy beans or pinto beans are ideal for buttered beans due to their creamy texture when cooked. However, feel free to experiment with other beans like black beans or kidney beans for different flavors and textures.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit any ham chunks and enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth. You can also add more vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, for added nutrition and flavor while keeping it in line with vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).